The Value of Being Organized

I always try to walk away from a photo shoot with some new thing learned –  whether it be a new lighting concept, pose, business idea or workflow modification. This weekend I think it really hit home on how important it is to be extremely ORGANIZED. Especially when you have a lot of equipment and props and limited time. On Saturday I did a company shoot for Boulder Ballet. There were 8 company members all who required head shots and dance shots. And then there were (as always) the unexpected variables that popped up. The real skill is being able to handle these unanticipated events. And that is where organization is key. Here’s a list of resolutions I came up with afterwards so that maybe next time I can reduce the stress level a bit.

1 – Immediately after each shoot (same day or, at latest, next day), review the glitches and make the fixes. Can’t find the AA batteries during the shoot? Pack spare batteries in every single pack and bag you take with you. Out of tape? Proceed immediately to the computer and order 4 more rolls. The trick is to take care of it immediately after your shoot so you don’t forget.

2 – After each shoot examine and fix all equipment that acted quirky or didn’t function at all. For instance, during this session I couldn’t get my light meter to work. I think I just hadn’t used it in awhile and it was on the wrong setting. So the next day I sat down with it and refreshed my memory. Not that big a deal since I had a laptop tethered to the camera and could check the exposure on the screen. But still, it would have been easier and more precise to have been able to use the meter.

3. For everything there is a place! Make sure you return equipment back to the same exact place you took it from. When you are back at your studio, recheck all the packing as often times, in a rush to get out, small items are misplaced and even lost. If you lost something go right to the computer and order another. Even a missing screw can “screw up” the next shoot.

4 – Before every shoot – check/replace/recharge batteries on EVERYTHING.

5 – Before every shoot – check all connections that tend to slither loose and tape them securely.

Anyway, despite whatever mishaps I had ( and cleverly tried to disguise ) I was relatively happy with the results. (see below)

Ryan Seate

Rachel Haber

Matthew Helms